Billionaire's assistant who allegedly stole a fortune from her wealthy boss to fund her lavish life of luxury is stuck in a ritzy psychiatric clinic to the stars - as she's hit by even more charges

By CANDACE SUTTON, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 05:13, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 05:22, 16 July 2026 A billionaire's trusted assistant accused of stealing $1.7million from her wealthy boss is now facing even more charges - with yet more to come. Annalouise Spence, 51, allegedly siphoned money from philanthropist Judith Neilson to fund a life of luxury designer goods, cosmetics, jewellery, art and first-class travel.  The charges relate to her allegedly impersonating Neilson to obtain an additional black American Express card and using to the card while still a trusted employee. Spence has been treated in The Sydney Clinic for the past three weeks, but was set to be released from the Bronte luxury mental health unit in Sydney's eastern suburbs. She was expected to be put under effective house arrest while on $1million bail at the $3million home she shares with her rally car driver husband, Adam Spence. But on Thursday, Spence did not appear at court and her lawyer Bryan Wrench told Judge Clare Farnan that 'we now believe she will be [at the clinic] for some time'.  Spence was facing 128 charges of dishonestly obtaining property by deception, but Downing Centre Local Court heard 16 new dishonesty charges have been added. The court was told even more are likely as detectives continue investigating. Annalouise Spence, 51, is on bail on 144 dishonesty charges but remains in a mental health unit until she goes on house arrest with her rally car driver husband Adam (pictured together) at their $3m Sydney house Spence allegedly stole from her billionaire employer Judith Neilson, a wealthy philanthropist  Prosecutors asked for more time to prepare a brief of evidence about the 'complex' matter, and said at least 20 more charges were pending.  Zimbabwe-born Ms Neilson - a Rich Lister and art patron worth $1.5billion - only discovered she was allegedly duped when Spence stopped working for her last year. Ms Neilson, 79, employed Ms Spence for eight years until September 2025, when Ms Spence took a redundancy package.  The alleged thefts are said to have happened over five years when Spence was Ms Neilson's personal secretary. The allegations include an incident where Ms Spence organised herself a 50th birthday party at a five-star Sydney hotel. She is accused of spending $1,000 on napkins bearing her initials, $1,200 on an evening gown and $10,000 on Jimmy Choo shoes and a matching bag for the party. Ms Neilson - whose fortune came from a global equities firm co-founded by her late ex-husband - attended the party without realising she paid for the whole thing, court documents state. Spence is also accused of dishonestly purchasing 'thigh-high boots and pants', hats, swimming costumes, various handbags or totes, and clothing from Zara and Lululemon. The charges relate to her allegedly impersonating Neilson to obtain an additional black American Express card and using to the card while still a trusted employee  Annalouise Spence travelled the world allegedly spending Judith Neilson's money on her Black Amex card  After her arrest in April, Ms Spence spent two months at the Dillwynia Correctional Centre outside Sydney, a maximum security prison for female offenders. Her husband put up the $1million surety to secure his wife's bail. She was released on bail three weeks ago with conditions including that she be taken straight from jail to the Bronte mental health facility. When released from the clinic, Ms Spence will not be allowed to leave her home except for legal or medical appointments. She also has to report daily to the police. ‘The applicant is not to engage in any employment involving financial management, access to accounts, or credit cards, or positions of financial or personal trust,’ a court heard last month. As part of her bail conditions, Ms Spence has been ordered not to make contact with Ms Neilson or any of her staff. During Thursday's court hearing, her lawyer quipped Ms Neilson might want to keep someone out of jail as a major contributor to the Keeping Women Out Of Prison charity (KWOOP). KWOOP provides funds for vulnerable and indigenous female inmates to assist their living and accommodation expenses when released from jail.   Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.